How to Keep a German Shepherd Busy While You’re at Work
The actual world doesn’t operate the way we’d all like it to, even though we’d all love nothing more than to play all day at home with our German Shepherds. We must occasionally leave our GSDs at home because the majority of us either work or attend school most of the week. So we must be aware of how to keep a German Shepherd Busy at home.
Having a list of fantastic activities to do for your dog while you are away is so essential. These ideas won’t just amuse your dog; they’ll also aid in keeping Fido out of mischief.
Why You Need to Entertain Your German Shepherd While You’re at Work
Even dogs don’t enjoy being idle. When boredom rears its ugly head, you can leave the house and go on exciting new adventures by yourself if you’re a human.
When you have to leave for work or school, though, your dog is often left behind at home. As it would be acceptable to take a little sleep or two each day while he waits for you to return, there are still plenty of hours in the day for a bored GSD to cause trouble.
GSDs Need Stimulation
German Shepherds are working dogs, therefore they have a strong demand for activities that challenge both their bodies and minds. He needs to feel needed, valuable and loved.
Additionally, German Shepherds are among the smartest and friendliest dog breeds you can acquire.
Due to these factors, bored GSDs can seriously harm property if they are not given enough excitement while you are away.
They’re just incredibly bored, not intentionally attempting to be mischievous. How to Keep a German Shepherd Busy While You’re at Work
Fortunately, it’s rather simple to provide your dog with suitable hobbies and engaging puzzles to solve while you’re away.
You can keep your pup or older dog happy, healthy, and out of trouble until you return home with a little planning and a few easy adjustments to your home or routine.
Do GSDs Get Separation Anxiety?
When it’s true that boredom is the main factor in GSD deterioration while you’re at work, there may be another more urgent issue.
Dogs are gregarious creatures and may be vulnerable to separation anxiety. Why does that matter?
In German Shepherds, separation anxiety is a pretty prevalent problem. Any dog, including German Shepherds, who experiences separation anxiety will get unhappy, anxious, or upset when their human partners aren’t around.
This might lead to behavioral issues including prolonged barking, screaming, and wailing, which can be upsetting to nearby residents.
A dog may start destroying and chewing on your possessions, such as shoes, clothing, and even furniture, as a result of separation anxiety. Additionally, a GSD may become so stressed out that he starts having accidents inside the house.
How Do GSDs End up with Separation Anxiety?
Young puppies frequently exhibit separation anxiety, though it’s not always a normal problem. Puppies who have been “spoiled” during their first few weeks in their new homes are more likely to experience it.
The puppies become accustomed to receiving such lavish displays of love and devotion. Although there is nothing wrong with spoiling your puppy, keep in mind that they are still canines and require training as well.
It’s crucial to remember that many puppies overcome their separation anxiety on their own or with the aid of kind adults and effective training.
Unfortunately, some people never do. A mature dog suffering from separation anxiety can be quite a handful, but more significantly, the dog’s worry is frightening and distressing for the dog.
They might start to feel like a “bad dog” and might start to exhibit depressive symptoms. They might see the separation as punishment or they might worry too much about you.
There Is Hope for GSDs with Separation Anxiety
Both humans and dogs experience discomfort from separation anxiety. But thankfully, there is assistance available, and it is not as difficult as you might believe.
Maintaining your German Shepherd’s activity and busyness can be quite effective in reducing anxiety on its own.
Even while you’re not home, your dog can benefit from the following advice by being entertained, educated, and stimulated. However, they are also fantastic ways to make fearful dogs feel more secure and in charge while you are away.
In essence, you’re assigning them a task to complete until you return. And working is exactly what GSDs enjoy doing the most!
Please read the fantastic article we have provided for you linked below to learn more about German Shepherd separation anxiety and what you can do to help: Here on keep them busy with toys
How to Keep a GSD Busy
How to Keep a German Shepherd Busy While You’re at Work Numerous healthful activities are available to occupy a GSD. Some take a bit more work from you, while others might call for new toys or specialized tools.
But the most crucial thing is that you adjust your efforts to your particular dog’s requirements.
Be prepared to attempt many strategies to find the ideal combination for your German Shepherd because not every advice will be effective for every dog or household.
Keeping a GSD Busy Starts Before You Leave
Actually, keeping a GSD occupied while you are at work or school begins when you are still at home.
In this stage, you’ll start teaching your GSD puppy that it’s alright to be by herself and what to do when you’re not there. Although there are other options, these ideas should help you get started. Learn more about German Shepherds here.
- Crate train your GSD early. Crate training helps dogs learn that the crate is their safe space.Do not use the crate for punishment. Always make crate time fun with toys, treats, soft bedding, and praise. As den animals, GSDs appreciate having a private, safe space such as a crate to help relax and reduce stress.
- Section off a part of your house for alone time. Your GSD should be taught that certain areas of your home are safe.This is a lot like the crate suggestion above, but it allows for more space to play and stretch out.This can be a bathroom, laundry room, or bedroom, for example. Start by using a baby gate, not shutting the door. This allows your pup to still see you, even if she can’t reach you.
- Start slowly, leaving your GSD alone in a crate or safe zone for just a few minutes.Leave a treat or new toy with her, some food, water, and soft bedding, then walk away for 3 – 5 minutes. Do this several times in a row, piling on the praise and love when you return.After a few days, extend the time you leave your GSD alone, but always come back and give tons of love.
- Don’t always entertain or interact with your German Shepherd while you’re home.If you show your dog early on that it’s okay to find safe and appropriate ways to stay busy without your help, he’ll be less likely to behave poorly when you do need to leave.